Post-election pro-life possibilities

Friday, 18 November 2016

With the election results sealed, our political attention shifts to the newly elected public officials and how their political stances will affect the direction of our country. At the heart of concern for many people is the direction our newly elected public officials will take on the issue of abortion.

It goes without saying, but can never be exhausted: the lives of the innocent, defenseless unborn demand a priority of place in our hearts and political demands. Their legal protection and right to life, once again, hinges on the fortitude of public officials and the vigilant demands of the electorate—people like you and me. It would be fitting, then, to preliminarily evaluate where we stand as a nation and a state.

President-Elect Trump. President-elect Trump provided no small amount of controversy on the campaign trail. Chief among the concerns for his candidacy and presidency was whether, as a fundamental matter, he could be trusted. While some deeply trusted his campaign promises and actions, others responded with reasonable skepticism. While some considered him the “lesser of two evils,” others conscientiously abstained from casting a vote for lack of moral character.

Despite the varying attitudes, President-elect Trump frequently articulated pro-life principles on the campaign trail. He vowed to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. He voiced support for legislation banning elective abortions after 20 weeks post-fertilization. He opposed taxpayer-funded abortions and urged protection of religious freedom and conscience rights. He promised to defund Planned Parenthood as long as they perform abortions. As well, he chose Indiana Governor Mike Pence, a strong pro-life advocate, as his running mate.

All of this stood in stark contrast to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whose political positions have been categorized as rabidly pro-abortion.

As President-elect Trump begins his transition to the Oval Office, he has maintained his pro-life positions. His website (www.greatagain.gov) reiterates protection of innocent human life from conception until natural death and protection of individual conscience rights in healthcare. In last week’s edition of 60 Minutes, President-elect Trump restated his intention to appoint pro-life judges to the Supreme Court which could overturn Roe and return the issue to state governments. Additionally, led by Vice-President elect Pence, the transition team, which will help appoint key leadership position within the administration, contains numerous individuals with strong pro-life convictions.

This occurs alongside other political victories which helped secure a Republican-controlled U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Notably, the national Republican Party platform has been staunch in its defense of innocent unborn human life, protection of conscience, and appointment of pro-life judges.

Nebraska State Legislature. The Nebraska Unicameral has not seen a major pro-life bill passed into law since 2010. Since then, unfortunately, our Unicameral has been ineffective in passing pro-life legislation.

While it is not yet entirely clear, the elections might have something to say about this drought of pro-life legislation. Early indications reveal that the legislative body may consist of a sufficient number of state senators with pro-life stances to pass legislation. However, a number of factors remain too unclear and unknown to be certain about where we ultimately stand in the state legislature.

A Call to Action. While there appears to be a window of opportunity both at the federal and state levels for pro-life possibilities, any opportunity will not come with ease. As stated earlier, capitalizing on opportunity will require tremendous fortitude by elected officials to defend the unborn child. Notably, the political voice and will of the electorate can greatly assist in building up the fortitude of their elected officials.

If you do not already, pray and fast for your and all elected officials. Never grow weary in this endeavor. Also, beg for the courage to hold your elected officials accountable, especially those who have professed pro-life values. Take the time to call or write your elected official.

As we have witnessed for years with Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, one vote can make all the difference. Your ability to exercise your political influence can help make the difference with one vote. As inscribed on our state capitol: “The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen.”

Be vigilant. Human lives depend on you!

Post-election pro-life possibilities

The Faithful and Watchful Citizen (Life Insight)

Post-election pro-life possibilities

Details

Friday, 18 November 2016

With the election results sealed, our political attention shifts to the newly elected public officials and how their political stances will affect the direction of our country. At the heart of concern for many people is the direction our newly elected public officials will take on the issue of abortion.

It goes without saying, but can never be exhausted: the lives of the innocent, defenseless unborn demand a priority of place in our hearts and political demands. Their legal protection and right to life, once again, hinges on the fortitude of public officials and the vigilant demands of the electorate—people like you and me. It would be fitting, then, to preliminarily evaluate where we stand as a nation and a state.

President-Elect Trump. President-elect Trump provided no small amount of controversy on the campaign trail. Chief among the concerns for his candidacy and presidency was whether, as a fundamental matter, he could be trusted. While some deeply trusted his campaign promises and actions, others responded with reasonable skepticism. While some considered him the “lesser of two evils,” others conscientiously abstained from casting a vote for lack of moral character.

Despite the varying attitudes, President-elect Trump frequently articulated pro-life principles on the campaign trail. He vowed to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. He voiced support for legislation banning elective abortions after 20 weeks post-fertilization. He opposed taxpayer-funded abortions and urged protection of religious freedom and conscience rights. He promised to defund Planned Parenthood as long as they perform abortions. As well, he chose Indiana Governor Mike Pence, a strong pro-life advocate, as his running mate.

All of this stood in stark contrast to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whose political positions have been categorized as rabidly pro-abortion.

As President-elect Trump begins his transition to the Oval Office, he has maintained his pro-life positions. His website (www.greatagain.gov) reiterates protection of innocent human life from conception until natural death and protection of individual conscience rights in healthcare. In last week’s edition of 60 Minutes, President-elect Trump restated his intention to appoint pro-life judges to the Supreme Court which could overturn Roe and return the issue to state governments. Additionally, led by Vice-President elect Pence, the transition team, which will help appoint key leadership position within the administration, contains numerous individuals with strong pro-life convictions.

This occurs alongside other political victories which helped secure a Republican-controlled U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Notably, the national Republican Party platform has been staunch in its defense of innocent unborn human life, protection of conscience, and appointment of pro-life judges.

Nebraska State Legislature. The Nebraska Unicameral has not seen a major pro-life bill passed into law since 2010. Since then, unfortunately, our Unicameral has been ineffective in passing pro-life legislation.

While it is not yet entirely clear, the elections might have something to say about this drought of pro-life legislation. Early indications reveal that the legislative body may consist of a sufficient number of state senators with pro-life stances to pass legislation. However, a number of factors remain too unclear and unknown to be certain about where we ultimately stand in the state legislature.

A Call to Action. While there appears to be a window of opportunity both at the federal and state levels for pro-life possibilities, any opportunity will not come with ease. As stated earlier, capitalizing on opportunity will require tremendous fortitude by elected officials to defend the unborn child. Notably, the political voice and will of the electorate can greatly assist in building up the fortitude of their elected officials.

If you do not already, pray and fast for your and all elected officials. Never grow weary in this endeavor. Also, beg for the courage to hold your elected officials accountable, especially those who have professed pro-life values. Take the time to call or write your elected official.

As we have witnessed for years with Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, one vote can make all the difference. Your ability to exercise your political influence can help make the difference with one vote. As inscribed on our state capitol: “The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen.”